Absolute Beginner Pottery Wheel Course Thursday Morning | 6 Weeks
NZ$249.00
Out of stock
Learn the Foundations of Wheel Throwing
Always wanted to learn pottery? This six-week course is the perfect place to start.
Designed for complete beginners, this course introduces you to the fundamentals of wheel throwing in a relaxed and supportive studio environment. With small class sizes and personalised guidance, you will learn how to prepare clay, centre on the wheel, create your first pottery forms, and develop the confidence to work independently.
At Pottery Embassy, we believe pottery is built through patience, repetition and practice. Rather than rushing through quick projects, this course focuses on understanding how clay responds to your hands, the wheel and your movements.
By the end of the 6 weeks, you will have created a collection of handmade pottery while building the skills and knowledge needed to continue your pottery journey.
Is This Course For You?
This course is designed for:
• Complete beginners with no previous pottery experience.
• People wanting to learn wheel throwing properly from the foundations.
• Anyone looking for a creative, hands-on hobby.
• Students wanting to develop a new skill in a supportive small-group environment.
No previous pottery experience is required.
What You Will Learn
Throughout the six-week course, you will learn:
• How to prepare and handle clay.
• Wedging and understanding clay consistency.
• Setting up and using the pottery wheel safely.
• Centering clay and developing control.
• Creating cylinders, cups and bowls.
• Trimming and refining your pottery.
• Applying glaze and understanding the firing process.
• Studio practices that support long-term pottery making.
Each session builds on the previous week, allowing you to gradually develop confidence and control on the wheel.
Course Outline
Week 1 — Introduction to Clay & The Wheel
Learn studio safety, clay preparation, wheel setup and the fundamentals of centering clay.
Week 2 — Creating Your First Forms
Learn how to open clay, pull walls and create your first cylinders, the foundation of many pottery forms.
Week 3 — Developing Technique
Improve your throwing technique while focusing on consistency, shape, wall thickness and control.
Week 4 &5 — Trimming & Refining
Learn how to trim your pottery, refine your forms and prepare your pieces for glazing.
Week 6 — Glazing & Finishing
Apply glaze to your favourite pieces and learn how the firing process transforms clay into finished ceramic work.
What's Included
Your course fee includes:
• Six weekly pottery classes.
• Use of pottery wheels and studio equipment.
• Individual guidance throughout the course.
• Bisque firing and clear glaze firing for up to six finished pieces.
Clay, additional pieces and specialty glazing options are available separately.
Friday Night Practice Sessions
As part of this course, you'll also have access to our Friday Night Practice Sessions, held from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm for the duration of your course.
These sessions are a great opportunity to practise the techniques you've learned in class, build your confidence on the pottery wheel, and enjoy some extra creative time in the studio.
Places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. To reserve your spot each week, please book directly with your tutor.
Please note that these are not supervised practice sessions designed for students currently enrolled in the course.
Your Pottery Journey Starts Here
Pottery is a skill that develops over time. Your first pieces may not be perfect, and that is completely normal. Every potter begins by learning the relationship between clay, movement and patience.
Our goal is to provide a welcoming studio environment where you can slow down, learn new skills and experience the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands.
We look forward to welcoming you to Pottery Embassy.
Before Booking
Please take a moment to read our Student FAQ, Studio Policies and Terms and Conditions before booking.
These sections include important information about what to bring, clay, firing, pottery collection, cancellations, payment options and studio expectations.
What is included in my workshop fee?
Firing: Bisque and clear-glaze firing for up to 6 finished pieces.
What is not included?
Clay: Must be purchased through the studio to ensure kiln compatibility. Prices start from $55+ (inclusive of shipping to Blenheim) depending on supplier stock. Options are; 10kgs of clay $55 or 5kgs for $35
Upgrades: Colored/specialty glazes or extra clay/firings beyond the 6-piece allowance are available at current studio rates.
Can I bring my own clay or glazes?
No, only approved studio materials may be used. Unsuitable materials can melt or explode, damaging the kilns and other students' work.
What do I need to bring? Please bring the following items to every session:
10L lidded bucket (for transporting your clay waste and slip home—do not pour clay down studio sinks)
Storage bin with a lid (serves as your personal drying box and transport container)
Reusable tote bag (capable of carrying 10kg of clay)
Apron, old towel, and a cleaning cloth
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting messy, closed-toe shoes, and tied-back long hair. Remove loose jewelry before using the wheel. Note: Pottery Embassy is not responsible for damaged clothing.
Do I really need short nails?
Yes, strongly recommended. Long nails easily gouge wet clay, creating hairline cracks. While they look minor at first, these marks weaken the clay and cause pieces to warp or split during the drying and firing stages.
What are the cleaning expectations?
Students are expected to clean their wheel, tools, and workspace during the final 15 minutes of class.
Part of our shared pottery culture means cleaning up after ourselves. Please ensure all tools are thoroughly wiped down after your class so the next group walks into a fresh, tidy workspace!
General Studio Rules:
Arrive on time (late arrivals miss essential safety and technique demonstrations; missed time cannot be made up).
Clearly label all work. Unlabeled pieces will not be fired and may be recycled.
Keep phones on silent.
No children or extra guests are permitted in the studio unless they are enrolled or pre-approved. (The minimum age for wheel-throwing courses is 16).
What happens if my pottery cracks or breaks?
Please Note: Pottery is Volatile. Ceramics involves variables beyond our control. While we handle your work with the utmost care, pieces can warp, crack, or react unexpectedly to glazes. Pottery Embassy does not offer refunds, credits, or replacements for pieces that do not survive the drying or firing process. Embracing these unexpected results is part of the learning journey!
How long until I can collect my pieces?
Finished work typically takes 6–8 weeks to process. Drying cannot be rushed without cracking the clay, so extended rain or high humidity can delay this timeline.
If it has been over 8 weeks and you haven't received a pickup notification, feel free to reach out. Once notified, please collect your work within one month due to limited studio storage. Uncollected work will be recycled or donated.
Do you offer refunds or transfers? Because spots are highly limited, all changes are handled on a case-by-case basis:
Cancellations: A refund is only possible if your spot can be filled by another student. If it cannot be filled, a 20% administration fee applies.
Transfers: Request must be made at least one month prior to the course start date (subject to availability).
Do you offer payment plans? Yes. Weekly payment options may be available for selected courses. Please contact Pottery Embassy before booking if you would like to discuss a payment plan.
Do you offer private events? Yes. Pottery Embassy offers private pottery experiences for birthdays, schools, community groups, team-building events, hens' parties and other special occasions. Please contact us to discuss your ideas and receive a customised quote.
Can I continue after this course? Absolutely. Pottery is a skill that develops through regular practice, and many students choose to continue by enrolling in another course or attending studio practice sessions where available. Returning students consistently develop greater confidence, improve their throwing technique and expand their creative abilities with each course. We encourage you to continue your pottery journey and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from building your skills over time.
Pottery Making Is Volatile
Pottery is a wonderfully rewarding craft, but it is also an unpredictable process. Working with clay involves many variables that are outside our control.
Every piece is handled with care throughout the drying, glazing and firing process; however, ceramics can sometimes produce unexpected results. Pieces may crack, warp, glaze differently than expected, or occasionally break during firing.
By booking a workshop or course at Pottery Embassy, you acknowledge and accept these risks as part of the ceramic process. Refunds, credits or replacements cannot be provided for pieces that do not survive drying or firing.
If an issue occurs with your work, we will keep you informed where possible and provide photos or updates if appropriate.
What we can promise is a supportive environment where you can learn, experiment and enjoy the process of creating handmade pottery.
Materials & Equipment
All studio tools and equipment are provided during classes unless otherwise stated.
Tools are shared studio resources and must be treated with care. Students are responsible for returning tools clean and in good condition.
Clay and glazes must meet Pottery Embassy firing requirements to ensure kiln safety and consistent results.
Cleaning & Studio Care
Cleaning is an important part of pottery making and maintaining a shared creative space.
Students are expected to:
• Clean their wheel after use.
• Wash and return all tools.
• Wipe down work areas.
• Leave the studio ready for the next class.
A clean studio creates a better experience for everyone.
Health & Safety
Pottery involves working with clay, tools, equipment and high-temperature kilns.
Participants agree to follow all studio instructions and safety guidelines provided during classes.
Please wear suitable clothing, closed-toe footwear and tie back long hair when using the pottery wheel.
If you have any injuries, medical conditions, allergies or physical limitations that may affect your ability to participate, please inform the instructor before attending.
Group Booking Responsibility
The person making the booking is responsible for ensuring all participants understand these terms and conditions, including the unpredictable nature of pottery making.
Cancellation Policy
Due to limited class sizes, cancellations are handled carefully.
A 20% administration fee applies to approved refunds.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the course or workshop start date may not be eligible for a refund unless your place can be filled by another participant.
Private workshop bookings are non-refundable as the session is reserved specifically for your group.
Attendance
Missed classes, no-shows or late arrivals are non-refundable and cannot be transferred.
Please arrive on time, as important safety information and demonstrations may occur at the beginning of each session.
Transfers & Rescheduling
Requests to transfer to another course or workshop must be made in advance and are subject to availability.
Photography & Media
Photos and videos taken during classes, including images of student work, may be used for Pottery Embassy marketing purposes.
If you prefer not to be photographed, please let us know.
Collection of Finished Work
Finished pottery generally takes approximately 6–8 weeks to complete due to drying, bisque firing, glazing and final firing.
You will be contacted when your work is ready for collection.
Due to limited studio storage, finished work should be collected within the timeframe provided. Additional costs apply for shipping if required.
Payment Plans
Weekly payment options may be available.
If Afterpay/Klarna is not suitable, please contact Pottery Embassy before your course begins to arrange an alternative payment schedule.
